In short I observed that they were much inclined to Unite «Sc attack those people, '.vhich gave me the more Concern because I knew that when In Jians were resolved on War, if ihey could be divertetl from their favciite pursuit they would be apt to turn their Arms another way, perhaps against ourselves, besides I was sensible of the great Expense that must attend such a Congress altho' of their own proposing and that vf^ co^l be spared out of the fund allowed for the Department could not defray the Charge of so large & unexpected a Congress, In this situation I Consulted Gen' Gage who is of opinion that as any Sum that can be spared out of the Annual Allowance, will be inadequate to the Expense that may attend it, I should first obtain his Majestys Orders for that purpose, but as the Indian Depys are very pressing, & that it will not be in my power to have an Answer wathin sufficient time to satisfy their importunity, whilst on the other hand I cannot refuse their request without occasioning a Gen' Discontent amongst them I have resolved to Treat with some of the Chiefs only with all the Oeconomy I possibly can consistent with the public Safety, trusting that his Majesty will be graciously pleased, to consiiler the peculiarity of the Occasion, & not suifer me to be a Loser Thro' the Necessary Discharge of my Duty.
It is a disagreeable Circumstance that we must either agree to permit these people to Cut each others Throats, or risque their discharging their fury on Our Traders & defenceless Frontiers, for certain I am from the disposition they are in & from the Conduct of the back settlers the Latter may prove the Case, but however disagreeable the Alternative is.